The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) recently conducted a survey of retailers regarding first-time gun buyers in 2021. However, I am sure that the findings will not be surprising, given the current rise in violent crime nationwide. With more and more Democrat-run cities seeing spikes in crime, many citizens are turning to their own personal protection.

According to an NSSF Survey 2021 Had 5.4 Million First-Time Gun Buyers

A recent survey shows that nearly 30 percent of all firearm purchases in 2021 were to new gun owners. Conducted by the NSSF, the poll is based on retailer surveys and adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background checks. The 30 percent figure represents 5.4 million people, across all demographics.

Although the number is higher than usual, it is still a 10 percent decrease from the 40 percent in 2020. More than 21 million background checks were conducted in 2020 and 8.4 million of those purchases were to first-time buyers. However, 2020s 8.4 million combined with 2021s 5.4 million means 13.8 million Americans concerned for their safety over the past two years alone.

According to an NSSF report, nearly 47 percent of first-time gun buyers inquired about training, with 43 percent signing up. Additionally, 23 percent of first-time gun buyers in 2020 purchased another firearm in 2021. As mentioned, first-time gun owners in 2021 crossed all demographics, with the report also showing:

• Over 33 percent of first-time gun buyers in 2021 were women.
• 44 percent of retailers saw an increase of African-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.
• Nearly 40 percent of retailers saw an increase of Hispanic-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.
• Over 27 percent of retailers saw an increase of Asian-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.
• Over 18 percent of retailers saw an increase of Native-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.
• Nearly 14 percent of retailers saw an increase of Native-Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders purchasing firearms in 2021.

New Gun Owners are Welcome

“We welcome these new gun owners to the greater community of law-abiding Americans who choose to own a firearm for lawful purposes, including self-defense, recreational target shooting and hunting,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “The surveys revealed that new gun owners are continuing to embrace their Second Amendment rights and nearly half of them are seeking out professional training. These trends show that not only is there still a strong interest in gun ownership but also that these new gun owners are interested in learning more about the safe and responsible handling, use and storage of firearms.”